New Auto Hobby Shop coming soon

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale's 2nd Force Support Squadron recently broke ground for a new Auto Hobby Shop and Car Wash.

The $2.8 million project began earlier this month and will better serve the Barksdale community, home to Air Force Global Strike Command.

"This project has been on the books for 17 years," stated Mary Baker, Barksdale Arts and Crafts Center manager. "It was initiated by our flight chief, Sarah Latham, who saw a need for a new facility and took action to develop a plan."

The 8,000 square foot facility will have three car wash bays, one will be a drive through, and the other tall enough to wash an RV, as well as a resale store, customer waiting area, tool check out area, 10 work bays, large parking area, storage for vehicles being worked on, and possibly a detailing area and window-tinting service.

"The cost of maintaining a car today is expensive when you have to pay someone else to do the work," said Donald Ehrman, 2 FSS deputy commander. "Providing a center where one can save, learn, and perform day-to-day maintenance is extremely important for all Barksdale Airmen and personnel."

The existing auto hobby shop was built in 1932 and designed to accommodate vehicles of the period. It is also on the National Historic Registry which precludes from making improvements.

"We have been operating out of an antiquated facility and it has been a challenge to provide adequate services to our customers," said Mrs. Baker. "The new facility will give us the opportunity to provide the services our customers deserve. It has been a long time coming."

The current auto hobby shop will be open during construction and following the grand opening until the transition has been completed. It will then be refurbished to accommodate a contracted motorcycle maintenance shop.

The project is being funded through the Non Appropriated Fund Welfare Board and apportioned by congress. Horton Construction Company Incorporated will manage construction on the project.

"The contractor has 365 days from the date of the contract being signed to complete the project. We anticipate a grand opening sometime in late September or early October 2011, and will plan a large festival and car show around the opening," explained Mrs. Baker.

The new Auto Hobby Shop will also operate as the Arts and Crafts center, offering a do-it-yourself approach as well as professional auto service.